Something old, something new.
Something borrowed, something blue.
We’re in wedding mode today. Not because it’s wedding season or anything, but just because. Rings and bells, dresses and flowers. There’s so much more to planning a wedding than what meets the eye.
Put a ring on it.
Rings are the traditional item exchanged between a couple in the west to indicate their bond; ‘With this ring I thee wed…’ (Anglican Book of Common Prayer) just one amongst many ceremonies and customs that mark marriage this way.
Lila’s wedding bands are made in the UK and are individually hand finished. Whether you choose to use recycled or Fairtrade gold, platinum or palladium you can be secure in the knowledge that your bands are ethically made.
Lila’s in East Dulwich, London
If you’re in the market for something vintage, they have a great selection of pieces that can be bought, or reworked.
Say yes to the dress.
We like a dress that is a bit of a statement.
Atelier 19 Jan Knibbs
Like these gorgeous dresses made by Atelier19. The proprietor of this brilliant little boutique is a whiz at couture embroidery, turning a simple dress into an extravaganza. No fear, if simple is your thing, you will find that in her shop too!
Pair the dress with a headpiece from Gemma Sanguine, also stocked in Atelier 19.
Atelier 19, Gemma Sanguine
If you like adding your own personal touches to your outfit, then Jan wrote a blog on upcycling things of sentimental value into your wedding outfit. Take a look here.
Ani Stafford-Townsend
Milliner Ani Stafford-Townsend knows how to turn heads, you can find her shop in Bristol, well worth a visit for the bride to be.
There should be a thousand yellow daisies.
Anyone get the reference? I used to watch Gilmore Girls obsessively when I was younger, and that was Lorelai Gilmore’s idea of a proposal.
A thousand yellow daisies.
Still, flowers are an important part of a wedding. Talk to your local florist or plant shop. They will be able to source the best local flowers for you, and put together arrangements for your day.
Put your best foot forward.
Crown Northampton, Lorne Ribbon Tie Shoe
A wedding day isn’t just about the bride. Sometime a gent needs to dress up too!
Leather shoes from Crown Northampton will complete the wedding ensemble. Handmade shoes from the Crown collections feature traditional British shoe designs with a contemporary mindset.
Crown Northampton, Magee V Front Shoe
For something that’s a bit more classic, perhaps a brogue from Herring Shoes.
Herring Shoes, Herring Belgravia
Just take a bow.
For a classic tweed style bow, you need look no further than Cock and Bull‘s Tweed Collection. Supporting artisan weavers in remote communities, these bow ties are a nod to the longstanding British association with tweed.
Cock & Bull Tweed, Bow Tie
For something a bit more playful, turn your eyes to Beau Tie for handmade men’s accessories using vintage and recycled fabrics to encourage a greener approach to fashion.
Beau Tie, floral bow tie
Be present, or bring one.
Add some light to the home of the newlyweds with an Abalon candle. Once the happy couple are done with it, it can be re-filled, or turned into something useful and pretty.
Abalone, handmade porcelain scented candles
Perhaps a blanket for their bed. Or even to cover up in for a winter wedding. Laura’s Loom works closely with spinning and weaving mills in England and Scotland to produce a range of 100% wool products, all of which reflect a northern heritage.
Laura’s Loom, hand woven blankets from Cumbria
For something completely different in the way of blankets, you could commission a By Lisa Watson Quilt. It will be a lovely keepsake of the day, and you could even weave in treasured memories.
By Lisa Watson, patchwork quilts
For him, a beautifully crafted leather wallet from Wingback or a belt from Wolfram Lohr.
Wingback, bespoke leather wallet
Wolfram Lohr, leather belt
And for her, ethical jewellery by Quinta Essenza, handmade in Scotland and inspired by northern flora and fauna. Gifts to treasure.
Quinta Essenza
For passionate conservationists Kay Reed Silversmith donates 10% of her profits to The World Land Trust, Bite Back and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. We love this dear little hedgehog!
Kay Reed, Silversmith
Homewares are always a good choice. You can set the bar with a full set of Denby, or soft furnishings from One Nine Eight Five.
Denby, Studio Blue
One Nine Eight Five, soft furnishings
Or, you can browse the full selection of ethical and sustainable gifts from Blue Patch. You’ll be sure to find something to suit everyone’s taste.
Preeti is the Marketing Manager at Blue Patch. Born and raised in India, she spent some time in the US, completing a degree in Psychology and Biology, after which she moved to the UK in 2010 to study an MSc in Finance and Management. She can often be found obsessing over her plants, trying to clamp down on an ever-increasing collection of nail polish or exploring and taking photos of random corners of London. Her favourite part of weddings are the speeches.
